Derivation of Lerner Family Name
LERNER
This name comes
from the Yiddish meaning "Student". In
Eastern Europe, it was common practice for men to marry at a very early age and
to carry on with their studies f the Torah whilst being supported by their wives
and families.
Names denoting
occupation and trade are extremely common amongst most peoples, not excepting
the Jewish people.
Ashkenazi Jews in
particular, seem to have used this source for creating family names, especially
from the 19th century when laws were passed in Europe forcing all
Jews to assume fixed family names (which until then they had not deemed
necessary). The haste in which such
laws had to be enforced may explain why many not only used the name of the
trade, but also the tools used within the trade. Whatever the reasons, the wide range of Jewish family names
coming from their occupations uniquely illustrates both the variety of trades
they were occupied in and the areas where they greatly dominated.
(Source:
Encyclopaedia Judaica; Diaspora Museum, Israel)